Faculty

Robert L.Spilker, Professor

Research | Bio Sketch | Publications/Patents | Contact

Research Center Affiliation:

General Areas of Research:

· Computational Biomechanics
· Computational Mechanics
· Biotechnology
· Biomedical Engineering
· Biomechanics
· Biomaterials
· Applied Mechanics/Mechanics of Materials
· Simulation
· Tissue Engineering

Research Activities:


Understanding human physiology at all levels will require that biological and bioengineering approaches be integrated to characterize and quantify physiological function. Mathematical models will provide the framework for quantification of behavior, and because human physiology is inherently complicated, will be too complex for simple solutions. The scales of physiology are linked (from organ to tissue to cell to molecule &) and they involve, among other factors, biomechanical, biochemical, and bioelectrical behaviors. Because of this multiscale and mathematical complexity, computational methods are required to provide accurate numerical solutions to the mathematical models. The development of these computational tools is the foundation of our research program.

Our research is aimed at developing computational methods and computer simulation tools that are based on realistic and validated mathematical models of human physiology. Our current focus is on modeling the biomechanical behavior of soft tissues such as articular cartilage, meniscus and intervertebral discs in the musculoskeletal system. We use multiphase continuum mathematical models to represent the tissues, and our methods are aimed at understanding the loads, deformation and fluid flow in tissues in human joints. Some specific projects include: modeling the nonlinear behavior of soft tissues in human joints; solving three-dimensional contact of soft tissues using penetration-based methods and full contact methods; modeling of cells using multiphase models; coupling of tissue and cellular responses.

Our long-range plans involve coupling biomechanical behaviors with biochemical, bioelectric and biotransport phenomena for broader classes of tissues, and to represent cellular behaviors, and coupling both the biophysical phenomena and the physiological scales.